Taliban seize six Humvees in Kabul raids

While some residents and analysts criticise raids, others hail recovery of 'unlicensed arms'

The Afghan government has seized at least six Humvees during a house-to-house search in the capital of Kabul, officials said.

The searches were believed to be clearance operations launched in Kabul and adjoining provinces last week, Tolo News reported on Friday.

According to a spokesperson of the country's security department, Khalid Zadran, forces of the Islamic Emirate had seized the equipment from houses.

“Hundreds light and heavy weapons were seized in these clearing operations. In PD 2 of (Kabul city) we detected six Humvees,” he said.

Also read: Weapon seizures 'massive boon' for Taliban as cities fall

Earlier, an official statement announced the recovery of seven Humvees from a residence in the capital.

The government had earlier asked the citizens to voluntarily hand over equipment, arms and any other government property in their possession.

On the other hand, residents were said to be critical of the fact that there were no women personnel in the forces searching the houses.

“It would be better if there were women and an Imam from the mosque,” one Kabul resident said.

Military analysts also have advised the Emirate to refrain from such 'illegal acts during the raids'.

Also read: US directs Kabul embassy staff to destroy ‘sensitive materials’ amid Taliban march

“These searches have violated the legal rights of the people. The Islamic Emirate must not take illegal action,” opined Samar Sadat, a military analyst.

However, one resident said, “There are some weapons with the people. It is illegal. It is better to seize the unlicensed weapons.”

Meanwhile, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the first to serve as the deputy to the country's premier, told a gathering on Thursday that the searches were intended to bring security to the neighbourhoods, and added that citizens should welcome the step.